In the meantime, from all of us here at CCC, we will continue to strive to offer local, affordable, quality education.
“Local” refers to our dedication to serving the residents in the communities of Coconino County. In fact, the college vision for our new Strategic Plan states, “Shaping the future of Coconino County. Empowering Individuals. Inspiring Communities. Education with Purpose!” The vision statement specifically tells the world that CCC is here to serve our communities, and as we emerge from the challenges of a global pandemic, we are in a position to help people in our communities reskill and recover. In the past year, CCC has focused on starting or expanding certificate programs designed to get people to work quickly. We have new Automotive Tech, Google IT Service Professional and Caregiver certifications. We partnered with Phoenix Truck Driving School to get people trained to get their commercial driver’s licenses. There are certificates for nursing assistants, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, Information Technology technicians and so much more – all in response to local business needs and requests from residents. CCC also offers students interested in a four-year degree a path to complete their studies after they finish their general education requirements here. Finally, for all Coconino County residents interested in lifelong learning, or picking up a new skill because it is of personal interest to them, there are a host of non-credit and credit courses for them to take. We are open for business, and we are going strong. After delivering nearly all of our courses online or through video conferencing during the pandemic, CCC this fall will have a heavy roster of in-person classes once again for students to enjoy face-to-face interaction with the wonderful faculty here.
“Affordable” refers to the ability of Coconino Community College to offer high-quality instruction at a fraction the cost of other educational institutions. CCC has received COVID relief funds from the federal government to help students with the cost of college through the next year. Additionally, CCC offers, through the Coconino Community College Foundation, scholarships to students who qualify to help support their decision to pursue an education. On top of this, CCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, making CCC qualified to distribute federal student aid to students who would not be able to afford a college education otherwise. Mia Cordero, a CCC Student Ambassador studying Pre-Health Careers, said, “Financial aid has helped me a lot. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to continue my education.”
“Quality Education” refers to CCC’s ability to deliver high-quality instruction. In order to be accredited with the Higher Learning Commission, CCC has to maintain exemplary standards of instruction, faculty credentials, and service to our students. Accreditation also gives students the comfort of knowing that if they do wish to transfer to other colleges or universities, their credits will transfer. CCC student Kalani Honanie said, “I want to eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree, so it was important to me that my credits transfer.” Because accreditation is so important, institutions must undergo the rigors of improvement and prove that they offer the highest quality education and services to maintain their accreditation. It just so happens that this year, the year of our 30th anniversary, CCC will receive a visit from the HLC. Our first accreditation happened in 1995, and the college has maintained accreditation ever since by consistently demonstrating excellence in higher education.
It is 2021, and on Aug. 26, Coconino Community College will begin a year-long celebration of serving students for the last 30 years. On that first day in 1991, with President Dr. John Glenn at the helm on loan from Northern Arizona University, more than 800 people lined up in front of rented space on Fourth Street to start taking classes. Be on the lookout for a fun lineup of events in locations across Coconino County to celebrate this milestone.
In the meantime, from all of us here at CCC, we will continue to strive to offer local, affordable, quality education. We will continue to ensure that those words have meaning and continue to ring true.
Onward! FBN
By Colleen Smith
Colleen A. Smith, Ph.D., is the president of Coconino Community College.
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